TV
In a significant development for regional rail connectivity and infrastructure modernization, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Saturday, flagged off the inaugural run of Train No. 08121, a new MEMU service from Purulia to Howrah via Masagram.
The flag-off was conducted virtually from Santragachi Railway Station, where the Minister also inspected the ongoing redevelopment work under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at transforming the station into a modern, world-class transit hub.
Boost to Regional Rail Connectivity
The newly introduced MEMU train is expected to provide a vital, faster, and more affordable travel option for thousands of daily commuters across Purulia, Bankura, Hooghly, and Howrah districts. The route revives the legacy of the Bankura Damodar Railway, originally launched in 1916 and later converted to broad gauge in 2005. The extension to Masagram was completed in 2012, and electrification in 2021 paved the way for this MEMU service.
Key Features of Train No. 08121 (MEMU Service)
Route: Purulia – Bankura – Masagram – Howrah
Distance: 283 km (41 km shorter than Kharagpur route)
Fare: Rs 60 (cheaper than Rs 65 on other routes)
Target Groups: Office-goers, students, traders, and daily commuters
Dignitaries Join Virtually
The virtual inauguration was attended by several prominent leaders, including:
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education
MPs and MLAs from Purulia, Bankura, Howrah, and adjoining areas
Participating virtually were MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, and MLAs from Purulia, Bankura, Chhatna, Onda, Sonamukhi, and Indus constituencies.
Santragachi Redevelopment Under Amrit Bharat Scheme
During his visit, Shri Vaishnaw reviewed the redevelopment progress at Santragachi Railway Station, part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which is modernizing over 100 stations in West Bengal alone.
“This is not just development—it’s the creation of a new Indian Railways,” the Minister said.
“People today aspire for quality and better experiences. Our PM’s vision has laid the foundation of this transformation.”
He added that over 1.2 million Indian Railways employees are working with dedication to realize this vision and bring world-class facilities to every corner of the nation.
Wider Impact
The MEMU service and station redevelopment are expected to:
Improve inter-district and urban-rural rail mobility
Facilitate faster and more economical travel
Boost regional tourism and economic activity
Support citizen-centric development across key districts
Indian Railways continues to prioritize inclusive growth, modern transit systems, and a commitment to last-mile connectivity through such citizen-focused initiatives.
